Career Opportunities with a Mathematics Degree

There is a demand for mathematicians across a range of sectors, for example you could find a role in the petroleum and nuclear industries, medicine and IT, as well as in many forms of engineering and different government departments.

If you particularly enjoyed the statistics modules of your course then you’re like to be able to find work in the NHS, local councils, educational establishments, the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, market research and marketing companies, banks and accountancy firms.

If none of those roles appeal to you then you’ll be pleased to hear that Mathematics graduates go on to work in almost any industry you can imagine.

As well as the specialised Mathematics skills you’ll have learnt you’ll also have learnt many transferrable skills that make big companies, such as Ernst & Young, specifically recruit Mathematics graduates.

Here’s more about the career opportunities with a Mathematics degree.

What skills will I gain during my Mathematics degree?

Your degree will help you gain a variety of specific skills including:

Designing and conducting observational and experimental studies

Analysing and interpreting data,

Finding patterns and drawing conclusions from that data

IT skills

Approaching problems in an analytical and rigorous way

Formulating theories and applying them to solve problems

Dealing with abstract concepts

Presenting mathematical arguments and conclusions with accuracy and clarity

Advanced numeracy and analysing large quantities of data

Logical thinking

You’ll also gain a number of transferrable skills that will make you an attractive prospect to any employer:

Communication skills

Time management

Organisational skills

The ability to work methodically and accurately

Teamwork

The ability to work independently

Jobs directly related to your Mathematics degree

If you want a role where you’ll get to use your Mathematics skills on a daily basis then there are a number of roles that directly relate to your degree.

Accountancy and Finance

To become a Chartered Accountant then you’ll need to complete some postgraduate qualifications or join a company as a trainee and work towards your Chartered status.

However, for other roles in finance you don’t need further study. Accountancy and Finance jobs include roles such as auditor, tax accountant, forensic accountant, management accountant and corporate advisor.

You could also be relied on to manage financial systems and budgets, prepare accounts, budget plans and tax returns, administer payrolls, provide professional advice based on financial audits, and review your client’s systems and analysing risks

Banking

Two of the major pathways are investment banking and retail banking. Both banking career paths can be lucrative, but again, professional qualifications in finance will be needed for some roles.

Investment banking careers involve gathering, analysing and interpreting complex numerical and financial information, then assessing and predicting financial risks and returns in order to provide investment advice and recommendations to clients.

Jobs not directly related to your Mathematics degree

If choosing an obvious career path doesn’t suit you then there are a number of other roles where you can use the skills you’ve gained in your Mathematics degree.

These roles aren’t directly related to your degree but you’ll still find your knowledge, skills, and attributes very useful in your working life. Mathematics graduates go on to work in every industry from marketing to law so you shouldn’t feel limited by your degree choice.

Less common career options for Mathematics degree graduates include:

Engineering

Although it would be more common to complete an Engineering degree if this is what you want to do, some Mathematics degrees will also give you a way in.

As a Mathematics graduate you’ll be adept in solving mathematical problems, are also often good at helping to solve real-world, physical problems, and can be found working in mechanical, structural, aeronautical and many other realms of engineering.

However, there are many aspects of an Engineering career that won’t be covered by your degree so further study, work experience, and/or an apprenticeship might be needed if you want to work in this field.

Teaching

Many Mathematics graduates want to inspire the younger generations to love the subject as much as they do so they complete their PGCE in order to qualify as a teacher.

Numeracy is always a high priority within primary and secondary schools, making numerate graduates with an interest in teaching highly sought-after.

If you want to teach at university level, a postgraduate degree is required, in a relevant specialism. If you choose this career path, you may also get the chance to pursue your own academic research.